Mormon softball team banned from Mercer County Christian league

MERCER COUNTY, Pa. - Members of one church were told they weren't allowed to participate in a Mercer County softball league because of their beliefs.

Players from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Slippery Rock said they were told they couldn't participate in the Grove City Area Church softball league because they're Mormon.

The Grove City Area Church league is made up of 11 teams. Players said when they received word that LDS Church members may participate, three of the teams refused to play if the Mormon team was accepted.

The president of the league released a statement saying, "The GCA church softball league is intended for fellowship among Christian churches. Not for members of different faiths. To call a group who proclaims a different gospel of salvation of Christian church is not only untrue, it is unloving. We cannot do this. We will not do this."

League officials took a vote and refused to allow the team into the league. The league's president said members of the church are still welcome to play in the league, just not as a team.